"I’m not planning to switch my nationality or represent a different country" - Anisimova shuts down political queries as she solely focuses on tennis

Amanda Anisimova has shut down any possible thoughts that she would be switching her nationality after a comprehensive 6-1, 6-4 win over Katerina Siniakova, boosting her title chances in the Australian Open.

It was another solid performance from Anisimova, who continues to make steady progress in this tournament. "I’m super happy with this win. It was a really tough match against a tough opponent, so I’m just really happy to be through and I really enjoyed it out there," she said after the positive result.

Two consecutive Grand Slam finals are the results from the last two major events Anisimova has featured in, with the American acknowledging how much these types of matches suit her.

"I feel like I’ve always been a player who likes a challenge, and when things get a bit rocky and it’s very competitive out there, I think I thrive on that," she said. "That’s what I love about the sport—those really tense moments."

To win the easy route and hard route in tennis is very crucial, whether a stroll in the park of a battle. "I’ve been able to come through and get to the finish line at Grand Slams, so that definitely helps with my confidence. But I don’t really think about that in those moments. I’m just thinking about how to battle through and what I can do better. I really enjoy it."

While the scoreline looked as comfortable as you can get, that did not stop herself finding criticism around her performance from within, not wanting to bottle it up inside. "I’m not someone who likes to keep my emotions in. I feel like that actually ends up backfiring on me, and I get a little bit stiff if it goes on for a long time and I’m not able to express myself," she explained.

"Sometimes it’s probably not my greatest moments, but I’m always able to regroup. We’re human, so I think it’s important to sometimes let it out if you need to. I’m not afraid to do that, but I try to focus right back after."

At tennis matches, it can be common to see coaches constantly blurt out advice and motivational words to keep their player going on court. "I think there’s a benefit to it," Anisimova said, highlighting the short space of time to do it in. "There’s not much time to talk with our coaches, so it’s important to use that time in the right way. In the past, I didn’t always do that. I would sometimes just express my frustration and not really listen to what my coach or team was saying."

This is something that she is actively trying to change. "Now when I go to the side, I actually try to listen and use those moments to calm down. It’s tricky sometimes because you’re emotional when you’re asking for help in a tough moment, but I’m trying to turn that around and use it to my advantage."

At times they can certainly get a berating from a frustrated player who may disagree with the advice or is simply struggling to get the best out of themselves, with the 24-year-old guilty of that in the past. "I feel that they’re in a tricky position sometimes," she stated. "Most of the time we say things we don’t mean because we’re so emotional on the court in those tense moments.

"If we ever do say something, I’m sure most of us apologize after the match—I’ve definitely done that before. It does get tough sometimes, but I’m really trying to learn how to work with my team and keep my emotions at bay, at least when it comes to them."

It is an all-American third round clash for Anisimova to now navigate. She will be taking on Peyton Stearns who, like Anisimova, has yet to drop a set in the entirety of the event. This will change for at least one of the players on Saturday, with the two-time WTA 1000 winner bracing for a tricky tie.

"She’s a great player and plays very physical tennis. It’s good to see her doing well here. I’m really looking forward to playing against her. I’m sure it’s going to be a very tough match, and she’s definitely going to bring some challenges."

It can sometimes be a struggle for players to get their mindset away from tennis when not on the court. Anisimova has a whole box of tricks to deal with this, from listening to music to doing activities with her team.

"I wouldn’t say I have hobbies like painting or creating things right now," she commented. "I don’t really vlog, but I make funny videos with my team, which helps get my mind off things and keeps everything light.

"I love listening to music—I listen all the time—and we watch shows together. Something I’d really love to pick up is painting while I’m traveling. Maybe next time I stay in a house or an Airbnb, I’ll buy some art supplies. I love doing things with my team, and anything outside of tennis that helps take our minds off things is really nice."

Outside the world of tennis, the news has been fixated on the USA and the political drama going on. Players have been asked about this, with Coco Gauff giving her two cents on the situation. However, the reporter was unable to shift Anisimova's thoughts from tennis to politics. "I don’t think that’s relevant," she bluntly answered.

She also has no plans in making a surprise switch to a different country. "I’m not planning to switch my nationality or represent a different country. I was born there, so it’s not something that comes to my mind," she swiftly concluded.